Malagón — Restaurant in Charleston

Horrible experience from the moment I walked through the door. Reservation for 2 people at 9:30pm, made it there alone at 9:45pm while my husband dealt with a family emergency. Manager or seating host (petite bald male) made it very clear “no one was allowed through the door” after 10pm. Was waiting for my husband to arrive, completely understanding that we would not be able to order after 10pm. Waiter checked in with me and offered menu recommendations at 9:50pm or slightly before that time. I asked him about the kitchen cutoff time- he said it wasn’t strict but prefer “around 10pm to help the kitchen”. He told me to check the menu and would come back. Here’s where our experience takes a nosedive from the bad first impression at the door. While I waited and prayed for My husband to walk through the door before 10pm, I had every intention to place a big food and drink order... except the waiter never checked in with me again. I waited with no check in to ask about questions on the menu or if I was ready to order. And the bald hostess- who aggressively kept watching me as I sat uncomfortably- came to my table at 9:59pm to ask where my husband was- pointing to his watch- saying he can’t come in after 10pm and he would be “closing the door”. Meanwhile no waiter check-in for over 10 minutes. My husband walked in at 10:02pm. No dice. I get it. The kitchen was closing. Why didn’t anyone check in with me about an order. Was it because I’m female? Was it because I’m Hispanic? I’m sure if my white male husband was sitting at the table, the service would have been different. An order would have been placed. When my husband did arrive at 10:02pm, the waiter started to head to our table to take our order. Except the Bald manager/host quickly pulled him aside before he made it to our table, had a conversation that was clearly about us to tell him we would not be allowed to order food, only drinks. The waiter proceeded to ask us what “drinks” we wanted (verbally stressing the word “drinks”). We, realizing our business was not welcomed for being 2 minutes late, told our waiter to give us a moment to compose ourselves and figure our next steps. From there we decided to leave. It was made very clear we were unwelcomed. Again, I understand the kitchen closing and not being able to order food after 10pm. Yes I agree to your rules. It’s the way it was handled. It’s the way you treated us. It’s the making me feel uncomfortable and unwanted in your establishment. I’m sure the food would have been great. I’m sure the service would have been as well. I’m sure we would have spent well and tipped equally well (we always do). It’s really an unfortunate experience that is now stuck with us because of a white male who wanted to show his dominance...

Since moving down to Charleston, I have been to Malagon probably about 5 times already. Full disclosure, I've only been living here for 2 weeks! First time I came to Malagon, I was with a friend who has been living here in Charleston for over 6 years and was baffled at how she was just experiencing this amazing restaurant for the first time due to my arrival. But I myself, wasn't ready nor prepared for this food experience or 5+ star service that was given.

From the moment I walked into the restaurant , I was greeted by this charming, charismatic, kind, yet handsome man with a very distinctive French warm accent. I told him I was a party of two and told him I didn't mind dining at the bar. The feel of the restaurant was small and intimate but inviting. The waiters and waitresses dress in unison and the flow of the restaurant was energetic.

My waitress “Emma” greeted me in a timely manner, because as a New Yorker(I) myself can be impatient but have to remember to be patient and just enjoy the experience. She was so sweet and kind with her southern draw was very endearing. As I waited for my friend, enjoyed the atmosphere and ate some sourdough bread with olive oil. You can never go wrong with that combination. Once my friend arrived, it was on! I ordered so much that I can't even begin to go through each dish. And because it's Spanish tapas, it's meant to share and be shared that you end up ordering everything. And when I say you won't be disappointed, you will not be. Chef Juan who is Colombian, who has truly done something special At Malagon left me coming back for more! Thank you for creating such an amazing menu and to your team for executing your vision throughly. Mid way through the every bite, my friend and I was checked in on by another handsome man with blonde hair in a slick back man ponytail who was also just as kind and gracious as the first Gentleman. Thank you for the amazing hospitality again.

Last but MOST Importantly ! DO.YOURSELF.A SERVICE.AND.GET.THE CHEESSECAKE! I tried to take a piece back to NYC for my mom(it made it from CHS TSA to my...

We have an exchange student from Spain with us for this school year. She has embraced American cuisine and has been open to trying new things. But, lately she has mentioned how much she misses her mom's cooking. We decided to take her out for an authentic Spanish meal. She did the research and chose Malagon. The moment we walked inside, she was thrilled. "It looks like Spain", she said. While our table was being readied, she told us about the Spanish foods on the wall, and told us which ones her mom uses. We decided to just have her order for all of us and to be sure to include her favorite dishes. She ordered in Spanish, so we didn't know exactly what were getting. We started with the Fuet (chorizo) and Jamon Serrano (ham), which were excellent. Then we shared La Bomba de la Barcelona (a mashed potato bomb around a meat filling) - wonderful. Then we shared the Tortilla Española (Spanish omelette). Again, wonderful. Then came her absolute favorite... the Patatas Bravas (fried potato cubes with a very flavorful tomato sauce and aoli). With the first bite, she closed her eyes and savored the flavors of her home! It was fun to watch her react to the whole meal, but this was the best moment for her. The timing between plates was perfect. We had time to savor the flavors and let Aina tell us about it. The last plate was octopus with potato, which we were nervous to try. It was firmer and meatier than we expected. The char on the octopus made it so delicious. It's difficult to say which dish we loved most. Last, we ordered all four desserts on the menu. Each had a favorite. I loved the olive oil bread with dark chocolate Panna cotta (OMG). The cheesecake was light and the crispy top, similar to creme brulee, was so good! We also had the brioche with almond ice cream ( rich and creamy) and ended with churros. Service was warm and friendly, and the atmosphere on the patio was just perfect. The girls had the time of their lives! I think it's one of the best meal experiences I've ever had. We'll have to bring our friends back....